Soup Of Hope: A Haven of Community Care in Juazeiro

A Charitable Haven

In the heart of Juazeiro, Bahia, a beacon of community care emerges as Tadu Arquitetura designs the Soup Of Hope Community Center. Occupying a corner lot, this 200 m² space serves as the new headquarters for “Sopão da Esperança” (Soup of Hope), a volunteer-driven initiative led by Mrs. Nádia Ribeiro. The initiative, featured on the Domingão com Huck program by Rede Globo, focuses on distributing food to the community, particularly during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Designing for Good

Initiated under the program segment “Fazendo o bem, sem olhar a quem” (Doing good without looking at whom), the project was conceived from the ground up. The Soup Of Hope project operates weekly, offering soups and basic food baskets to approximately 600 people. The new community center ensures an organized and efficient space for the charitable activities to unfold.

Functional Layout

Divided into two blocks connected by a central hall, the center optimizes workflow and accommodates the influx of people seamlessly. The courtyard serves as a focal point for daily volunteer activities and soup distribution. The industrial kitchen, fully equipped for large-scale meal preparation, stands on one side, while the opposite block houses bathrooms and a pantry. A garden on the courtyard-facing side contributes to food production.

Innovative Construction Approach

Constructed using structural concrete blocks, the building eliminates the need for conventional pillars and beams, expediting the construction process. The single roof, supported by strategically placed metal trusses, ensures air circulation, enhancing the overall ventilation. The walls, designed with spaces between bricks, serve a dual purpose of structural support and ventilation.

Artistic Homage to the City

In a thoughtful nod to the city’s connection with the São Francisco River, the facade showcases wavy paintings. These artistic elements symbolize the curves of the “Velho Chico,” an iconic representation deeply ingrained in the local collective imagination.

A Symbol of Community Solidarity

The Soup Of Hope Community Center stands not only as a functional space for charitable activities but also as a symbol of community solidarity. Designed to foster a sense of care and support, this center embodies the spirit of giving back to the community in times of need.